School bus emergency egress system

ABSTRACT

An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 30 ) that operatively supports a ramp ( 34 ) in movable connection therewith. Opening an emergency exit door ( 18 ) of the bus causes a housing door ( 24 ) to open and the ramp to move outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening ( 16 ) closer to the ground ( 166 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments relate to a system for providing emergency egressfrom a multi-passenger vehicle. Exemplary embodiments are particularlydirected to an emergency egress system that can be used with a bus, suchas a school bus.

BACKGROUND

Multi-passenger vehicles typically include one or more exits that are tobe used by persons to leave the interior area of the vehicle only inemergencies. Such emergency exits remain closed by emergency exit doorsat all other times during vehicle operations.

In the case of some multi-passenger vehicles such as school buses, whenan emergency exit door is opened, the emergency exit opening may be asignificant distance above the ground. To jump from such a distance tothe ground may present a challenge for some small children or fordisabled individuals.

Emergency egress systems from school buses and other multi-passengervehicles may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus that provides improvedemergency egress for persons from an interior area of the school bus orother multi-passenger vehicle. Exemplary arrangements provide for anextendable ramp which becomes automatically accessible adjacent to anemergency exit opening when the emergency exit door is movable from aclosed position to an open position. The exemplary ramp is extendablefrom a retracted position to an extended position in which the rampextends from adjacent to the bottom of the emergency exit opening to theground. Persons in the vehicle may leave the interior area through theemergency exit opening and travel down the ramp from the vehicle to theground.

Further exemplary embodiments provide for the suspension of the schoolbus or other vehicle to be lowered automatically responsive to openingof the exit door. As a result the ramp in the extended position is at alesser acute angle than it would be with the vehicle in the normalcondition. The smaller angle of the ramp may make it easier for personsleaving the vehicle to travel down the ramp to the ground.

Exemplary embodiments provide numerous other beneficial features andcapabilities as hereinafter discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an exemplary multi-passenger vehicle such as aschool bus.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but with the vehicle frame rails andcomponents of the exemplary emergency egress system shown in phantom.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the housing of the exemplary emergency egresssystem positioned between the frame rails of the bus, and with the rampof the exemplary system shown in phantom.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the frame rails of the bus and the housing ofthe emergency egress system, with a housing door thereof in a housingclosed position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial rear view of the emergency egress systemshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the emergency egress system shown with thehousing door in the housing closed position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the housing and ramp of the emergency egresssystem, with the ramp in a retracted position, the emergency exit doorin a closed position, and the housing door in a housing closed position.

FIG. 8 is a side view similar to FIG. 7, but with the housing door in ahousing open position and with the ramp in the extended position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the rear portion of the housing, housingdoor, ramp and emergency exit door in the positions shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the housing, housing door and ramp in theextended position as shown in FIG. 8, and with the stop attached to theramp in engagement with the member that prevents the ramp from movingoutward beyond the extended position.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an end piece of the ramp.

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a base portion of theramp.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the exemplary ramp in a retractedposition and the suspension components of the exemplary bus.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an air valve including a movable airrelease arm that moves responsive to ramp movement from the retractedposition toward the extended position.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the exemplary bus shown in a condition priorto opening the emergency exit door.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the emergency exit dooropen, the housing door having moved from the housing closed position tothe housing open position, and the ramp having moved from the retractedposition toward the extended position.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the exemplary bus in the condition shown inFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the exemplary bus similar to FIG. 17, but withthe suspension lowered responsive to opening of the emergency exit door,and with the ramp in the extended position to the ground.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the exemplary bus corresponding to thecondition of the emergency egress system as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a top view of an alternative housing and alternative ramp ofan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the alternative ramp and housing of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the alternative ramp and housing.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the alternative ramp and housing.

FIG. 24 is a horizontal cross-sectional side view of the front portionof the alternative ramp and housing.

FIG. 25 shows a back view of a top piece and bottom piece of anexemplary alternative frame attachment bracket.

FIG. 26 shows a side view of the top piece and bottom piece of the frameattachment bracket shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a side view that shows the top piece and bottom piece of theframe attachment bracket in engaged relation.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the exemplary frame attachment bracketand a portion of an exemplary ramp housing and side rail.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a housing and ramp of an alternative emergencyegress system arrangement.

FIG. 30 is a front view of the alternative emergency egress systemarrangement shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the exemplary circuitry for alerting adriver of the vehicle that the emergency exit door or ramp access dooris in an unsecured position.

FIG. 32 is a rear view of an alternative multi-passenger vehicle such asa school bus including an alternative ramp access arrangement.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of an alternative multi-passenger vehicle such asa school bus including a ramp sleeve that includes a ramp opening thatextends through a bumper of the vehicle.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 33 including analternative ramp access door installed in overlying relation of the rampopening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there showntherein an exemplary multi-passenger vehicle 10 which incorporates theemergency egress system of an exemplary embodiment. The exemplaryvehicle 10 shown is a school bus, however it should be understood thatsystems of the type described herein may be used in conjunction withother types of multi-passenger vehicles.

In the exemplary embodiment the bus 10 includes a body 12 which boundsan interior area 14 (see FIG. 17) in which persons are housed duringtransport. The body includes an emergency exit opening 16. The emergencyexit opening is normally closed during operation by an emergency exitdoor 18. The exemplary emergency exit door 18 includes interior andexterior handles 20 that can be manually engaged and moved such that theemergency exit door can be changed from a latched closed condition inwhich the door is latched and held in a closed position as shown in FIG.1, and an openable condition in which the door is movable between theclosed position to an open position as shown in FIG. 17. Of course itshould be understood that the emergency exit door configuration isexemplary and in other embodiments other configurations may be used.

The exemplary bus includes a rear bumper 22. A housing door 24 laterdescribed in detail, extends above the rear bumper, and in the closedposition shown in FIG. 1 the housing door 24 is in operative engagementwith the emergency exit door 18. The bus 10 is movably supported bytires 26. The exemplary body 12 of the bus 10 is supported through asuspension system that is later discussed.

As represented in FIG. 2 the exemplary bus body 12 is supported by avehicle frame which includes a pair of longitudinally extending,horizontally disposed frame rails 28. A housing 30 of the exemplaryemergency egress system is mounted in operatively fixed connectionhorizontally between the frame rails 28. The exemplary housing 30 boundsan opening 32 and houses a movable ramp 34 as later discussed in detail.In the exemplary arrangement the housing opening is positioned at ahousing open end 33 and is in horizontal transverse alignment and ispositioned vertically below the emergency exit opening 16. By being intransverse alignment with the emergency exit opening, the ramp 34 whenin the extended position is vertically aligned with at least asubstantial portion of the emergency exit opening so that personsleaving the interior area 14 through the emergency exit opening 16 canstep outward onto the ramp 34 when the ramp is in the extended position.

The exemplary housing 30 includes a pair of horizontally disposedelongated side rails 36, 38. Each of the side rails is generallyC-shaped in horizontal cross-section. The side rails 36, 38 of thehousing 30 are mounted horizontally between and in fixed operativelysupported connection with the frame rails 28 of the bus. Each exemplaryside rail includes a horizontally inward extending lower lip 40 and ahorizontally inward extending upper lip 42. A vertically extending webportion 44 extends in vertical cross section between the respectiveupper and lower lips of each of the exemplary side rails.

In the exemplary arrangement a pair of elongated support bars 46, 48 arein fixed operative connection with side rails 38 and 36 respectively.Each respective support bar is in fixed attached connection with arespective side rail through welding or other suitable attachmentmethods. A plurality of spacers 50 extend horizontally between an innersurface of each frame rail 28 and a horizontally outboard surface ofrespective support bar. In the exemplary arrangement fasteners 52 extendthrough holes in the spacers 50 and engage threaded openings in theadjacent support bar. This arrangement holds the housing 30 in fixedoperatively supported connection between the frame rails 28 of the bus.Of course it should be understood that this mounting is exemplary and inother embodiments other mounting arrangements may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement in vertical cross section the upper lips42, lower lips 40 and web portions 44 of the respective side railsdefine a channel cavity generally indicated 54. The channel cavity isgenerally rectangular in vertical cross-section and bounds an area inwhich the exemplary ramp 34 is constrained to move. The channel cavityof the exemplary embodiment is configured to require the ramp 34 to movegenerally horizontally and parallel to the frame rails 28 of the bus.This exemplary arrangement assures that the ramp 34 moves in the properorientation from a retracted position in which the entire length of theramp or at least a majority of the entire length of the ramp ispositioned horizontally between the side rails, to an extended positionin which the ramp extends outwardly from the open end of the housing andthrough the ramp opening in the body of the bus to the ground.

In the exemplary arrangement each of the upper lips 42, lower lips 40and web portions 44 of each respective side rail include respectiveinner faces 56, 58 and 60. In the exemplary arrangement a low frictionmaterial overlies each of the inner faces 56, 58 and 60 to facilitatemovement of the ramp 34 within the channel cavity 54. In the exemplaryarrangement a high density low friction plastic insert 62 that isgenerally U-shaped in vertical cross-section is positioned in engagementwith the inner faces of the respective side rail. In the exemplaryarrangement the ramp 34 is in movably supported in operative connectionwith the lower lips 40 of the side rails 36, 38 through the low frictionplastic insert 62. This facilitates movement of the ramp and reduces theforce required to achieve movement of the ramp from the retractedposition to the extended position. Of course it should be understoodthat this arrangement for reducing the force required to achieve rampmovement is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused. For example, in other arrangements rather than having a pair ofdisposed continuous channels, the channels may be comprised of discretechannel segments that are longitudinally disposed from one another alongthe length of housing area in which a ramp is housed. Alternatively inother arrangements, other channel configurations such as an L-shapedchannel side rails or segments or I-shaped channel side rails orsegments may be utilized.

As shown in FIG. 6 the exemplary housing 30 is bounded at the front endby a front member 64. The front member 64 extends horizontally betweenthe side rails 36 and 38 and the support bars 46 and 48. In theexemplary arrangement the front member extends vertically downward belowthe bottom face of the ramp 34. The exemplary front member furtherengagingly supports at least one ramp deployment spring 66, which in theexemplary embodiment comprises at least one compression spring thefunction of which is later discussed. The at least one ramp deploymentspring 66 is positioned to operatively engage a back surface 68 of aramp stop 70 which is in fixed operative connection with the ramp 34. Inother exemplary arrangements a deployment spring may not be used.

Further in the exemplary arrangement, a plurality of horizontallyextending struts 72 are in operative connection with the housing 30. Inthe exemplary arrangement each strut 72 is in fixed operative connectionwith a horizontally disposed pair of spacers 50. The struts 72 serve tomaintain the dimensional integrity of the housing 30, provide enhancedrigidity for the housing assembly and facilitate the positioning andmounting of the housing assembly between the frame rails 28 of the bus.Of course it should be understood that this reinforcement approachutilizing the struts 72 is exemplary and that other arrangements may beused in other embodiments.

In one exemplary arrangement the ramp 34 is comprised of a generallyflat longitudinally and horizontally extending base portion 74 andvertically extending side end portions 76. The vertically extending endportions are disposed at each horizontal side of the base portion of theramp 34. The vertically extending end portions 76 are disposedhorizontally inward of the web portions 44 of the side rails andinwardly of the vertically extending faces of the low friction plasticinserts 62. In the exemplary arrangement the vertically extendingportions are positioned vertically above the horizontally inwardlyextending lower lips 40 of the side rails and in movable connectionabove the inward extending face of each plastic insert that verticallyoverlies each inward extending lower lip.

In this exemplary arrangement the ramp 34 is comprised of a pair ofadjacent horizontally extending elongated generally flat plates 78, 80.The flat plates 78, 80 are connected through a longitudinally elongatedconnector piece 82. The flat plates 78, 80 in fixed connection with theconnector piece form the base portion 74 of the ramp. As shown inhorizontal cross section in FIG. 12, the exemplary connector piece 82includes a top flange 84 and a bottom flange 86. A recess 88 extendsbetween the top and bottom flanges 84, 86. A top face 90 of flat plate78 is in abutting engagement with the top flange 84 within the recess88. A bottom face 92 of flat plate 78 is in abutting engagement with thebottom flange 86 within the recess 88. An inside face 94 of the flatplate 78 that extends between the top face 90 and the bottom face 92, ispositioned in abutting engagement with an inside surface 96 that boundsrecess 88.

The exemplary connector piece 82 further includes a top flange 98 and abottom flange 100, which bound a recess 102. A top face 104 of flatplate 80 extends in the recess 102 and in abutting engagement with topflange 98. A bottom face 106 extends in the recess 102 and in abuttingengagement with the bottom flange 100. An inside face 108 extendsbetween the top face 104 and 106, and engages an inside surface 110which bounds the recess.

In the exemplary arrangement the flat plates 78, 80 and the connectorpiece 82 are held in fixed engagement by welding or other fasteningmethods. This enables the ramp to be comprised of smaller horizontalplate sections to facilitate the construction thereof. It also providesthe benefit that ramps of varied horizontal widths may be more readilyconstructed to suit the particular configuration of the vehicle on whichthe system is to be installed. The structure may also be comprised ofdifferent materials to provide desirable properties such as low weight,higher surface traction or corrosion resistance for example. Of courseit should be understood that in other exemplary arrangements rampscomprising a single flat plate or more than two connected flat plates orother structures may be utilized. In some exemplary arrangements the topfaces of the plates may be contoured or coated with a high frictionmaterial to avoid slipping by persons who travel on the ramp.

Further in the exemplary arrangement the connector piece 82 includes apair of longitudinally extending projections 112, 114 at the forward endthereof. Projections 112 and 114 of the exemplary arrangement areutilized for purposes of positioning the at least one spring 66 whichoperates to move the ramp from the retracted position toward theextended position. In the exemplary arrangement projection 114 extendswithin an inside diameter of a helical coil spring 66. Projection 114serves to engage and position the spring so that it is properlyextending horizontally and along the direction of the base portion 74 ofthe ramp when the spring is compressed. The projection 112 extendsoutside the helical coil spring and in the exemplary arrangement furtherhelps to hold the spring in the proper horizontal position while thespring is compressed. Of course this arrangement for helping to hold theone or more ramp deployment springs in proper position is exemplary, andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In this exemplary arrangement the vertically extending end portions 76of the ramp 34 each include end pieces 116 one of which is shown invertical cross section in FIG. 11. It should be understood that whileFIG. 11 shows an end piece that is positioned on the right side of thebase portion 74 of the ramp when viewed from the rear of the vehicle,the end portion on the left side of the ramp will be the mirror imagethereof.

The exemplary end piece 116 includes an upper flange 118 and a bottomflange 120 which bound a recess 122. The flat plate 74 extends in therecess 122. A horizontally extending top face 124 of the plate extendsin abutting engagement with the upper flange 118. A horizontallyextending bottom face 126 extends in abutting engagement with the bottomflange 120. A vertically extending lateral face 128 extends between thetop face and the bottom face. The lateral face 128 extends in abuttingengagement with an inside face 130 that internally bounds the recess.

The exemplary end piece 116 further includes a side flange 132 thatextends vertically upward and perpendicular to the top face 124. Theexemplary end piece 116 is held in fixed attached connection with theflat plate 78 through welding or other fastening methods. In theexemplary arrangement, the side flange 132 when the ramp is in theoperative position, is disposed horizontally inward a small distancefrom the vertically extending inner face of the low friction plasticinsert 62 to enable horizontal movement of the ramp. The bottom flange120 is formed to be generally smooth so that it is generally freelymovable in operatively supported slidable relation with the adjacentinward extending lower lip 40 of the adjacent side rail and thecorresponding horizontally inward extending surface of the plasticinsert 62 that overlies the lower lip 40. Of course it should beunderstood that in other exemplary arrangements the bottom flange 120may be coated with a low friction plastic or other material tofacilitate movement of the ramp within the housing. In still otherexemplary embodiments other structures and arrangements may be utilizedincluding rollers, bearings or other structures suitable for reducingresistance to movement of the ramp relative to the adjacent housingstructures.

In other exemplary arrangements the ramp may be comprised of a singleunitary structure. For example in some arrangements the ramp may becomprised of a generally planar piece of material with lateral sidewalls that extend vertically but are not as vertically elongated as inthe previous embodiment, which side walls serve the functions of the endpieces previously described. In some exemplary arrangements such rampsmay be comprised of metals such as aluminum or steel, or suitable metalalloys. In other exemplary arrangements the ramp may be comprised of amolded plastic material or reinforced plastic material or assemblies ofcomponents comprised of such materials. In further alternativearrangements ramps may be comprised of one or more components comprisedof high-strength carbon fiber. In some embodiments ramps comprised ofmolded material may include integral surface features such as ribs,recesses, contours or surface roughness to provide enhanced frictionalengagement to prevent slippage by persons who travel down the ramp. Inother exemplary arrangements surface treatments may be applied to theramps to achieve enhanced friction properties. Of course it should beunderstood that these approaches are exemplary in other embodimentsother approaches to be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exemplary ramp 34 includes manually engageablehandles 134, 136. In the exemplary arrangement the manually engageablehandles are comprised of openings through the flat plates 78, 80 whichcomprise the base portion 74 of the exemplary ramp 34. In the exemplaryarrangement that handles extend through the base portion of the ramp 34in a ramp outer end 138. The ramp outer end 138 includes the portion ofthe ramp closest to the ramp housing opening 32 and the ramp opening inthe body of the bus when the ramp is in the retracted position as shownin FIG. 3, for example. In exemplary arrangements the ramp handles areaccessible through the ramp opening when the ramp is in the retractedposition and/or is moved outward somewhat by a spring or othermechanism. The ramp outer end is disposed from a ramp inner end 140. Theexemplary ramp inner end is opposed of the ramp outer end, and isoperatively connected with the ramp stop 70. Of course it should beunderstood that the configuration of the manually engageable handles134, 136 that may be utilized to move the ramp between the retractedposition and the extended position are exemplary. In other embodimentsother types of handles may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the housing door 24 is rotationally movablymounted relative to the housing 30. As shown in FIG. 4, a member whichcomprises a shaft 142 extends horizontally across the housing in aposition that is disposed below the housing opening 32. The shaft 142 ismounted in operatively supported connection with the support bars 46 and48 through brackets 144 and 146 respectively. The housing door 24 isrotatably movably mounted in operatively supported connection with theshaft through a pair of transversely disposed sleeves 148, 150 each ofwhich extends about the shaft. The sleeves enable the housing door 24 tomove in supported connection with the shaft between the housing closedposition as shown in FIG. 9, in which the housing door closes the rampopening in the body of the bus and housing opening 32, and the housingopen position in which at least a portion of the housing door 24 isdisposed away from the housing and ramp openings as shown in FIG. 10.

In the exemplary arrangement a pair of horizontally disposed torsionsprings 152 are operative to bias housing door 24 which serves as a rampaccess door, toward the housing open position. In the exemplaryarrangement each of the torsion springs 152 extend in surroundingrelation of a respective sleeve 148, 150 and each include a spring arm154 which operatively engages the door to bias the door towards thehousing open position. Of course it should be understood that thisarrangement is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

The exemplary housing door 24 is configured to be in operativeconnection with the emergency exit door 18. The housing door 24 includesin cross section an extension 156 that in the closed position of theramp access door extends upward from the shaft 142 as shown in FIG. 9for example. The exemplary extension includes a horizontally extendingportion 158. In the housing closed position of the housing door 24, thehorizontally extending portion 158 extends in the emergency exit opening16 and underneath the emergency exit door 18. The exemplary housing doorextension 156 further includes a vertically extending portion 160. Thevertically extending portion 160 is configured to engage a surface ofthe door such as an inside face 162 of the emergency exit door 18 whenthe emergency exit door in the closed position.

As represented in FIG. 9 in the exemplary arrangement when the emergencyexit door is in the closed position, the vertically extending portion160 of the extension of the housing door 24 is engaged with the insideface 162 of the door, which is operative to hold the housing door 24 inthe housing closed position. In this condition an inner surface of thehousing door 24 operatively engages the leading face 164 of the rampouter end 138. In this position the housing door holds the exemplaryramp 34 in the retracted position within the housing against the biasingforce of the at least one spring 66.

In an exemplary arrangement when the emergency exit door 18 is in theopenable condition and is moved to the open position, the inside surface162 of the door no longer holds the vertically extending portion 160 inthe emergency exit opening. As a result the housing door 24 moves fromthe housing closed position shown in FIG. 9 to the housing open positionas shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 16 and 17. The ramp access door in the dooropen position opens the ramp opening 35 in the body of the bus andexposes the ramp through the open end 33 of the housing. In theexemplary arrangement when the housing door 24 initially moves to thehousing open position, the at least one spring 66 is operative to movethe ramp 34 from the retracted position within the housing 30, towardthe extended position in which the ramp extends from the housing to theground 166. In the exemplary arrangement the spring 66 is operative tomove the ramp 34 a relatively small distance outward from the opening 32and the ramp opening, toward the extended position as shown in FIG. 16.In this exemplary arrangement the ramp 34 extends outward from theopening 32 a sufficient distance so that the ramp can be manuallyengaged either by the handles 134, 136 and/or by the leading face 164 ofthe ramp to enable the ramp to be pulled outwardly to the ramp extendedposition in which the leading face of the ramp 164 reaches the ground166 as shown in FIG. 18.

In the configuration of the exemplary arrangement, the at least onespring 66 which biases the ramp 34 outward an initial relatively smalldistance, enables the ramp to be more manually accessible so it can bemoved further outwardly toward the extended position. This arrangementenables persons who wish to immediately jump from the interior area 14of the bus to the ground 166 without taking the time to extend the ramp34, may do so. However it should be understood that in other exemplaryembodiments, further springs, motors or other devices may be inoperative connection with the ramp to cause the ramp to move to theextended position so that the ramp extends to the ground automatically avery short time after the emergency exit door opens. In still otherexemplary arrangements suitable circuitry or other mechanisms may beprovided so that the ramp can be automatically moved from the retractedposition or from an initial small amount outwardly from the retractedposition, to the fully extended position, responsive to one or more userinputs, such as pressing a button that is accessible adjacent to theemergency exit opening 16. Of course these approaches are exemplary andin other embodiments different or alternative approaches to deployingand extending the ramp or other egress structure may be used.

In other exemplary arrangements other structures may be utilized forpurposes of enabling the housing door to move from a housing closedposition closing the ramp opening and/or the opening of the housing, tothe housing open position in which at least a portion of the housingdoor is disposed from the housing opening so as to enable the ramp to beexternally accessible so that the ramp may extend therefrom. For examplein some arrangements a latch may be operatively engaged with the housingdoor such that when the emergency exit door is changed to an openablecondition, the latch releases the housing door to be movable to thehousing open position. In some exemplary arrangements the latch or otherstructure which operates to hold the housing door in a housing closedposition may be operatively engaged with a latch or other structure thatholds the emergency exit door in the closed position, such that when thelatch which holds the emergency exit door is released so that the dooris in an openable condition, the housing door moves or becomes movableso as to open the housing opening.

In other alternative arrangements the housing door may be in operativesupporting connection with the back end of the ramp. In sucharrangements when the ramp is retracted within the housing the housingdoor operates to close the housing opening and/or the ramp opening. Insuch arrangements the ramp may be operatively engaged with a latch orother suitable structure that holds the ramp retracted within thehousing. In some alternative arrangements the opening of the emergencyexit door may be operative to cause the ramp to move toward the extendedposition responsive to a spring or other similar biasing member. Inother exemplary arrangements, the ramp may be held by a latch, catch orother holding structure when the emergency exit door is in the latchedand closed condition. Actuation of the structure which operates to holdthe emergency exit door closed so that the door becomes in the openablecondition, causes the latch, catch or other structure holding the rampin the retracted position to be released such that the ramp moves fromthe retracted position toward the extended position. In differentembodiments the latch or other structure that holds the ramp and/or thehousing door may be operatively connected to the emergency exit door,latching structure for the emergency exit door, or other structurethrough mechanical connections, electrical connections or a combinationthereof. Numerous different arrangements may be provided to enable theopening of the housing structure responsive to the emergency exit doorbeing in the openable condition and/or opening, so as to enable theexemplary egress system to be deployed.

In the exemplary arrangement once the ramp is in the position shown inFIG. 16, the ramp 34 may be moved outwardly toward the extended positionuntil the downward extending stop 70 engages the shaft 142 asrepresented in FIG. 10 and FIG. 8. In the exemplary arrangement the stop70 engages the shaft 142 in the area between the sleeves 148, 150. As aresult the shaft 142 serves as a member that engages the stop 70 andprevents further movement outward from the opening 32 toward theextended position once the ramp 34 is in the extended position as shownin FIG. 18. In the exemplary arrangement the ramp 34 is enabled to berotatably movable with the stop 70 abuttingly engaged with the shaft 142so as to enable the ramp 34 to extend an acute angle from the housing 30to the ground 166. Further the exemplary configuration of the width ofthe stop 70 widely distributes any impact forces or loading forcesapplied to the ramp 34 as a result of the rapid deployment of the rampand the weight of persons moving down the ramp to the ground so that thestructural integrity of the components of the emergency egress systemare maintained.

In addition the exemplary system enables the ramp to be returned fromthe extended position to the retracted position, and the housing door 24and the emergency exit door 18 each returned to its respective closedposition after the emergency is over. This enables the exemplary systemto return the bus to its normal operating condition without significantdelay, and the system to be reliably deployed again in the event ofanother emergency.

In an exemplary arrangement the suspension of the bus is interconnectedwith the emergency egress system. The exemplary arrangement providesautomatically placing the emergency exit opening 16 closer to the ground166 responsive at least in part to the opening of the emergency exitdoor 18. In an exemplary arrangement as schematically represented inFIG. 13, the bus includes an axle 168 which is supported above ground bythe tires 26. The suspension of the bus includes at least one pneumaticspring 170. The pneumatic spring extends vertically between the axle andthe frame rails and is supplied with air pressure through an air line172 which maintains the pneumatic spring 170 properly pressurized andexpanded to maintain the normal vehicle suspension height.

In the exemplary arrangement the air line 172 is fluidly connected to anair valve 174. The exemplary air valve 174 is changeable between openand closed conditions responsive to the position of an air release arm176. In exemplary embodiments the release arm may comprise a movablelever, movable button, movable plunger, movable slide or other movablemember, or a combination thereof. In the exemplary arrangement the airrelease arm is in operative connection with the ramp 34. The exemplaryair release arm as shown schematically in FIG. 14, is in operativeconnection with the ramp through the ramp stop 70. The ramp stop isoperative to maintain the air release arm 176 in a first position whenthe ramp 34 is in the retracted position in the housing. In theexemplary arrangement when the air release arm is in the first positionas shown in solid lines in FIG. 14, the air valve 174 is in the closedcondition.

When the ramp 34 is moved responsive to the at least one spring 66 orotherwise toward the extended position as represented by the arrow inFIG. 14, the stop 70 moves to the position shown in phantom. This causesthe air release arm 176 to move to a second position shown in phantom.The movement of the air release arm causes the air valve to change fromthe closed condition to the open condition. When the air valve is in theopen condition, air in the pneumatic springs 170 is exhausted toatmosphere through the air valve at a rapid rate. This causes loweringof the suspension so that the emergency exit opening becomes lower andcloser to the ground 166. As a result, when the ramp is moved to theextended position, the ramp extends at a smaller acute angle relative tothe ground than would be the case if the bus suspension were notlowered. Further even if the ramp is not moved to the fully extendedposition, the movement of the emergency exit opening closer to theground makes it easier for persons to exit from the interior area of thebus through the emergency exit opening 16. Of course it should beunderstood that these approaches are exemplary, and that in otherarrangements other approaches may be used.

For example, in other exemplary arrangements the air valve may beactuated mechanically through operative connection with other componentsof the bus or the emergency egress system. For example in somearrangements changing a condition of a latch associated with theemergency exit door to an openable condition may be operative to causethe air valve to release the air in the suspension of the bus.Alternatively opening of the emergency exit door may cause movement of alever or similar structure that is operative to cause the valve tochange conditions. Alternatively in other arrangements an electricallyactuated valve may be utilized. The electrically actuated valve may beoperative responsive to receiving an electrical signal from a switch orone or more switches or circuit elements (or the loss of a signal from aswitch or other circuit elements) to cause the air pressure to bereleased. Alternatively or in addition, the electrical circuitry mayalso be operative to cause a release of air pressure from the suspensionresponsive to circuitry such as an accelerometer which is operative toautomatically determine that the bus or other vehicle has been involvedin a collision or other impact, so as to cause the release of airpressure and facilitate egress from the emergency exit. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary of numerous different approaches that may beused.

FIGS. 15 through 19 demonstrate the operation of the previouslydescribed exemplary emergency egress system in connection with theexemplary school bus or other multi-passenger vehicle. FIG. 15 is a sideview corresponding to FIG. 1 which shows the bus 10 in a normaloperating position prior to the opening of the emergency exit door 18.

In an emergency one of the emergency exit door handles 20, either on theinterior or the exterior of the emergency exit door, is moved to unlatcha latch or other engaging structure in operative connection with thedoor so it is in the openable condition and is no longer held in theclosed position. When the emergency exit door 18 is moved from theclosed position to the open position as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, thehousing door 24 which serves as a ramp access door moves responsive tothe force of the torsion springs from the housing closed position to thehousing open position. In the open position the ramp is movable out ofthe open end of the housing and through the ramp opening in the body ofthe bus. The exemplary ramp 34 moves from the retracted position towardthe extended position a sufficient distance to enable the ramp to bemore readily manually engaged.

In the exemplary arrangement a very short time after the emergency exitdoor 18 has been opened, the air is exhausted from the pneumatic springslowering the suspension of the bus. This causes the emergency exitopening 16 to move closer to the ground 166 as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.In this condition the ramp can be moved to the extended position inwhich the leading end 164 of the ramp 34 is in contact with the ground.The lowering of the bus suspension causes the ramp 34 to extend at asmaller acute angle (A) relative to the ground 166 than the ramp wouldextend if the suspension were not lowered. This makes it easier forpersons to travel from the interior area 14 of the bus downward on theramp 34 to reach the ground 166. In some exemplary arrangements this mayfacilitate the ability of persons who may have difficulty walking or whomay be in wheelchairs the more easily leave the bus interior area 14through the exit opening 16 so as to reach the ground in the event of anemergency. Numerous additional features may also be provided inalternative embodiments to provide for more rapid and secure egressunder emergency conditions from the vehicle for persons of differentsizes or with different physical conditions and capabilities.

FIGS. 20-24 show an alternative exemplary embodiment of a ramp 178. Theexemplary ramp 178 is movably mounted in a housing 180. Housing 180 maybe generally similar to housing 30 previously described. For purposeshereof the components of the alternative housing 180 will be describedusing the same reference numbers as those used in connection with thehousing 30 except in cases where the structures differ.

The alternative ramp 178 includes a base portion 182. The base portion182 is comprised of a unitary piece of suitable material such asaluminum. In some exemplary arrangements the base portion 182 mayinclude a non skid upper surface to facilitate walking thereon. The baseportion 182 includes handles 184 that extend therethrough similar to thepreviously described embodiment. The exemplary ramp 178 further includesa pair of vertically extending end portions 186, 188. In the exemplaryarrangement the end portions comprise longitudinally elongatedreinforcing struts that are in attached connection with the base portion182. In the exemplary arrangement the end portions extend in and aremovable within the cross-sectional recesses bounded by the side rails36, 38 and the respective plastic inserts therein. In the exemplaryarrangement the reinforcing struts which bound the end portions have auniform cross-sectional profile which provides additional resistance tobending and deformation due to loading of the ramp.

In the exemplary arrangement the ramp 178 further includes a pluralityof transversely extending reinforcements 190. As shown in FIG. 21, inthe exemplary arrangement the transverse reinforcements are positionedat the rear side and the front side of the ramp 178 as well as at themid point thereof. The transverse reinforcements are held in engagedrelation with the base portion and with the adjacent longitudinalreinforcing struts through welding or other fixed attaching methods. Thetransversely extending reinforcements 190 provide further rigidity andgreater load carrying capability without deformation of the ramp 178. Ofcourse it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary andother embodiments other configurations may be used.

The exemplary alternative ramp 178 is in operative connection with aramp stop 192. The ramp stop 192 performs a function similar to thepreviously described ramp stop 70 in limiting the movement of the rampoutward from the housing to the extended position. The alternative stop192 has a generally U-shaped cross section configuration thatfacilitates engagement with the shaft 142 and enables rotationalmovement of the ramp in engagement therewith. The stop 192 is alsoengageable with a compression spring 194. The compression spring 194operates in a manner similar to spring 66 and biases the ramp from theretracted position toward the extended position.

In the exemplary arrangement the housing 180 is closed at its lower endby a panel 196. The exemplary panel 196 may comprise one or more planarpanel segments that serve to limit the amount of dirt or other materialsthat may enter the interior area of the housing. The exemplary panel 196in the exemplary arrangement helps to assure that dirt, debris, ice orother material will not accumulate within the housing in a manner thatimpedes the operation of the emergency egress system. In an exemplaryarrangement, the panel 196 may be comprised of a lightweight materialsuch as a plastic. However in other exemplary embodiments otherarrangements and materials may be used. Further while in the exemplaryarrangement the panel is configured to close the bottom of the housing,other arrangements may include closure panels at the front and/or top ofthe housing to further reduce the risk of infiltration of dirt or otherdebris. Further in exemplary arrangements sealing or gasketing materialmay be utilized for purposes of assuring that the panel or panelsoperate to maintain a liquid tight arrangement to prevent theinfiltration of undesirable materials into the housing interior.Alternatively or in addition, suitable gasketing or other materials mayalso be utilized for purposes of sealing the abutting housing structuresand the housing door 24 when the housing door is in the housing closingposition. Of course these approaches are exemplary and other embodimentsother arrangement may be used.

FIGS. 25-28 show an alternative arrangement for mounting an exemplaryramp housing in fixed operative connection with the frame rails of amulti-passenger vehicle such as a school bus. FIGS. 25-28 show a frameattachment bracket 210. The exemplary frame attachment bracket includesa top piece 212 and a bottom piece 214. The exemplary top piece 212 in avertical cross-section includes a vertically extending inner leg 216.The exemplary inner leg includes a vertically elongated opening 218. Thetop piece further includes a horizontally extending portion 220. Thehorizontally extending portion 220 extends transverse to the inner leg216. Top piece 212 further includes a vertically extending outer leg222. The outer leg 222 extends transverse to the horizontally extendingportion 220 and downward generally parallel to the inner leg 216.

The exemplary bottom piece 214 includes a vertically extending insideleg 224. The inside leg 224 includes an opening 226. Horizontallyextending portion 228 extends transverse to the inside leg 224. Anoutside leg 230 extends transverse to the horizontally extending portion228 and upward generally parallel to the inside leg 224. As shown inFIG. 27 the top piece 212 and the bottom piece 214 are movablyengageable with the openings 218 and 226 in overlapping relation. Asshown in FIG. 27 with the top piece and the bottom piece in engagement,the pieces bound in vertical cross-section a frame rail accepting area232. The frame rail accepting area 232 may be varied in its verticaldimension while maintaining openings 218 and 226 in overlappingrelation.

As shown in FIG. 28 the exemplary frame attachment bracket 210 furtherincludes at least one fastener generally indicated 234. An exemplaryarrangement the fastener includes a threaded bolt or stud 236 and areleasably engageable nut 238. In the exemplary arrangement the boltextends through the opening 226 in the bottom piece 214 and theelongated opening 218 in the top piece 212. In an exemplary arrangementthe fastener extends through an opening 240 in the cover panel 196. Thefastener also extends through an opening 242 that extends through siderail 38 and into an aperture 244 in the plastic insert 62. In theexemplary arrangement the aperture 244 is sized so that the nut 238 ofthe fastener 234 may be selectively rotationally moved therein.

In the exemplary arrangement of the frame attachment bracket 212 the nutof the fastener 234 can be rotationally positioned in a first positionin which the top piece 212 and the bottom piece 214 are sufficientlyloosely engaged so that the top piece and the bottom piece may bevertically movable relative to one another while being held inengagement. As represented in FIG. 30, in this first position of thefastener 234, the top piece 212 is selectively movable relative to thebottom piece and is engageable with a rail top 246 of an exemplaryadjacent frame rail 248. Further in this first position of the fastener,the bottom piece 214 is engageable with a rail bottom 250 of the framerail 248. As represented in FIG. 30 in the exemplary arrangement the toppiece 212 is operative to engage the frame rail within the frame railaccepting area 232. Further in the exemplary arrangement thehorizontally extending portion 220 of the top piece 212 and thehorizontally extending portion 228 of the bottom piece 214 extend acrossthe rail top and rail bottom of the frame rail 248, respectively.Further in the exemplary arrangement the outer leg 222 of the top pieceand the outside leg 230 of the bottom piece are operative to hold theframe rail 248 in engagement with the bracket and in the frame railaccepting area 232.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 28, when the fastener 234 is moved to asecond position by tightening the nut 238 in engaged relation with thethreaded bolt or stud 236, the top piece 212 and the bottom piece 214 ofthe frame attachment bracket 212 are held in fixed engaged relation. Asa result the frame rail 248 is held in fixed operatively engagedrelation with the frame attachment bracket and the ramp housingcomponents attached thereto.

In exemplary arrangements the frame attachment bracket 210 is configuredto be engageable with a plurality of different sized frame rails. Suchdifferent frame rails may have different vertical dimensions. Howeversuch different sized frame rails may be engaged with an adjacent frameattachment bracket 210 by changing the vertical distance between thehorizontally extending portions of the top piece 212 and the bottompiece 214. Further as can be appreciated, the exemplary frame attachmentbracket is configured to engage different configurations of frame rails.For example bracket 210 may be attached in fixed engagement to a framerail that includes a C shape cross-section like frame rail 248. Also ascan be appreciated frame rails 28 discussed in connection with previousembodiments also include a C shape cross-section. Further as shown inFIG. 30, alternative frame rails such as a full box frame rail 252nonetheless includes a C shape portion in vertical cross-section whichcan be engaged by the exemplary frame attachment bracket 210. Of courseit should be understood that this bracket arrangement is exemplary andother arrangements that utilize the principles described herein may beutilized for engaging exemplary ramp housings in operatively fixedengagement with the frame rails of a vehicle.

In the exemplary arrangements a plurality of frame attachment brackets210 may be longitudinally disposed on each lateral side of a ramphousing, such as housing 254 shown in FIG. 30, to hold the housing inoperatively fixed engaged relation with the frame rails of the vehicle.In some arrangements the number and lateral spacing of the frameattachment brackets will depend on the length and weight of the housingstructure and the ramp. Further as can be appreciated the exemplaryframe attachment brackets may be further modified through the use ofelongated openings in place of opening 226 and/or one or more elongatedopenings, to provide vertical adjustability of the housing for the ramp.As can be appreciated, through the inclusion of vertically elongatedopenings in each of the inner leg and inside leg of the top piece 212and bottom piece 214 respectively, the vertical location of each of theside rails 36 and 38 of the ramp housing may be adjusted so as to besuitably aligned with a ramp opening in the body of the vehicle throughwhich the ramp may extend. Thus such vertical adjustment enablespositioning of the housing opening and the ramp access door so as to bein a suitable operative position to enable operation in conjunction withan emergency exit door of the particular vehicle configuration.

Further in exemplary arrangements the frame attachment bracket 210 maybe attached to suitable lateral spacers so as to achieve mounting of theramp housing 254 horizontally intermediate of frame rails that may bespaced horizontally at a distance greater than the horizontal width ofthe ramp housing. Such spacers may include suitable sized blocks,strips, bushings, washers, shims or similar structures. Of coursenumerous different approaches may be taken utilizing the featuresdescribed to achieve suitable mounting of the ramp housing on theparticular vehicle.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a further alternative exemplary arrangement of anextendable ramp 256 that is housed within ramp housing 254. Theexemplary ramp and ramp housing may be similar to those discussedpreviously in connection with ramp housing 180. However, ramp 256 isconfigured so that it is not automatically moved outward from thehousing through the ramp opening when the ramp access door is opened.Such a configuration may be useful in situations where it is desiredthat the operator of the vehicle deliberately act to move the ramp fromthe retracted position toward the extended position so as to cause theramp to be deployed.

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 24 and showing the ramp housing 254and ramp 256. Similar to ramp 178, ramp 256 includes a stop 192 attachedthereto. In the exemplary arrangement the stop 192 limits the outwardmovement of the ramp 256. However in the exemplary arrangement housingmember 258 includes a plurality of detents thereon. In the exemplaryarrangement each of the detents 260 is in threadably engaged relationwith the housing member 258 so as to be selectively verticallypositionable to engage the lower rearward facing leading surface of thestop 192. In the exemplary arrangement each detent 260 includes anoutwardly biased upward facing spring-loaded ball 262. Of course inother arrangements other types and configurations of detents may beused. Each detent 260 is operative to hold the ramp 256 throughengagement with the stop 192, in the retracted position. However when arelease force schematically indicated R in FIG. 29 is applied to theramp 256, the force of the detents 260 holding the ramp in the retractedposition is overcome, and the ramp is released to move toward theextended position.

In exemplary arrangements in which the ramp configuration shown in FIGS.29 and 30 is utilized, the end of the ramp including the handles may beaccessed in the retracted position when the ramp door is open, throughthe ramp opening and the open end at the back of the housing. The rampand ramp handle such as handles 184 may become accessible as a result ofthe ramp access door automatically moving to the door open positionresponsive at least in part to the emergency exit door being in theopenable position or being open. Alternatively in some arrangementswhich are later discussed, the ramp access door may be manually openedby a bus driver or other vehicle operator. With the ramp access door inthe open position the operator is enabled to access the ramp handlesthrough the ramp access opening and apply the release force to the ramp.Applying a force at least as great as the release force toward theextended position causes the ramp to move from the retracted position,overcoming the holding force of the detents, and moves the ramp towardsthe extended position. Also as can be appreciated, when the ramp is tobe returned from the extended position to the retracted position theramp may be moved sufficiently inward so that the stop 192 is againengaged with the detents. This may be accomplished in some exemplaryconfigurations by having the ramp and the ramp access opening and doorconfigured so that the door cannot be closed until the ramp is moved tothe retracted position. Of course it should be understood that thisapproach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may beused.

FIG. 32 shows an alternative multi-passenger vehicle such as a bus 264which includes a further alternative arrangement of an emergency egresssystem. In this exemplary arrangement a ramp and ramp housing that maybe similar to those previously described, are extendable below anemergency exit door 266. However in this exemplary arrangement, the rampaccess door 268 is not in operative engagement with the emergency exitdoor 266. In this exemplary arrangement the ramp access door 268 isrotatable about a horizontally elongated hinge 270. Opening the rampaccess door 268 enables access through a ramp opening through the bodyof the bus (behind the closed door 268 in FIG. 32) to access the ramp.In this exemplary arrangement the ramp access door is held in the closedposition by a pair of manually releasible latches 274. In this exemplaryarrangement the vehicle operator or other person is enabled to accessthe ramp by releasing the latches 274 and opening the ramp access door268. The operator may then move the ramp to the extended position. Insome such arrangements opening the ramp access door and/or extending theramp may cause the bus suspension to be lowered in a manner like thatpreviously discussed. This ramp access configuration may be used forexample by an operator who uses the ramp in the deployed position toaccess a handle 276 or other actuator to open the emergency exit door266 from the outside. Also as can be appreciated in this exemplaryarrangement, the ramp access door 268 is positioned so that a rampaccess door having a configuration that automatically opens in responseto opening of the emergency exit door of the type previously describedcould be utilized. Of course it should be understood that thisconfiguration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approachesmay be used.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show yet another multi-passenger vehicle such as a bus278. Bus 278 includes a further alternative emergency egress system. Inthis alternative emergency egress system the ramp is deployable througha ramp access opening 280 that extends through a bumper 282 of thevehicle. In this exemplary arrangement a rectangular sleeve 284 ispositioned in the ramp access opening. In the exemplary arrangement thesleeve 284 is comprised of a steel or other suitably rigid materialconstruction that is welded or otherwise put in place so as to maintainthe structural rigidity of the bumper 282. In this exemplary arrangementa ramp access door 286 is movably mounted about a hinge 288 to enableselectively opening and closing the ramp access opening 280. In thisexemplary arrangement a pair of latches 290 are used to hold the rampaccess door 286 in the closed position. Similar to the previouslydescribed arrangement, the latches are utilized to hold the ramp accessdoor 286 in the closed position during normal bus operation. When it isdesired to deploy the ramp (and also in some exemplary arrangements alsoautomatically lower the bus suspension) the latches 290 may be releasedand the access door 286 moved to the door open position. This enablesaccessing the ramp and moving it from the retracted position to theextended position to provide suitable egress from the emergency exit. Ofcourse as with the other described arrangement, suitable structures forautomatically opening the ramp access door responsive to the emergencyexit door being in the openable position may alternatively be providedin exemplary arrangements of this type where the ramp access openingextends through a portion of the vehicle bumper.

In some exemplary arrangements it may be desirable for the operator ofthe bus or other vehicle to be aware whenever the emergency exit door orramp access door may be unsecured or in the open position. This may beparticularly useful in situations where the ramp has been used or testedby being extended, and then must be returned to the retracted position.In some exemplary arrangements in which the ramp access door opensresponsive to the emergency exit door becoming openable, the emergencyexit door may be closed without closing the ramp access door. This maybe undesirable in some circumstances as it may enable the ramp to beaccessed or moved toward the extended position by unauthorized persons.However even in circumstances where the ramp is accessible and onlymovable manually, it may be desirable for the vehicle operator to knowwhen the door that enables access to the ramp is in the open orunsecured position.

FIG. 31 is a schematic arrangement showing an arrangement for detectingand indicating to the vehicle operator when either the emergency exitdoor or the ramp access door is in an unsecured position. In theexemplary arrangement an electrical switch 292 is in operativeconnection with the ramp access door. In exemplary arrangements theswitch 292 may be a plunger switch, rocker switch or other suitableswitch for detecting the position of the ramp access door. The switchmay be operative to detect that the ramp access door is not closed, andthereby in the unsecured position. Alternatively in other exemplaryarrangements switch 292 may comprise a photosensor switch, magneticswitch or other contact or non-contact switch that is suitable fordetecting the position of the ramp access door.

A switch 294 is in operative connection with the emergency exit door.Switch 294 may be of a switch type similar to switch 292. Switch 294 isoperative to detect that the emergency exit door is in an openablecondition. This may be done by the switch detecting a position of asurface of the door or by detecting a position of the latch or otherengaging member that is operative to hold the door closed or to enablemovement of the door to an open position. Numerous different types ofswitches may be utilized for this purpose.

In the exemplary arrangement switches 292 and 294 are in operativeconnection with at least one interface 296. At least one interface 296comprises circuitry that enables the signals from the switches to beutilized to communicate with a controller 298. In exemplary arrangementsthe controller 298 comprises circuitry which is operative to receivesignals indicative of the condition of the switches and to provideappropriate output signals in response thereto. In exemplaryarrangements the controller 298 may include circuitry such as aprocessor 300 and one or more data stores 302. In exemplary arrangementscircuitry associated with controller 298 may operate responsive tocircuit executable instructions included in the at least one data store302 to cause signals to be output responsive to input signalscorresponding to certain programmed conditions.

The exemplary arrangement further includes at least one output device304. The at least one output device may include a visual output devicesuch as a flashing light or an audible output device such as a warningsiren or beeper. The exemplary at least one output device is inoperative communication with the controller 298 through one or moresuitable interfaces schematically indicated 306.

In operation of the exemplary arrangement if either of the switches 292or 294 are operative to detect that the emergency exit door is openableor the ramp access door is not closed or otherwise secured, thecircuitry of controller 298 is operative to cause the at least oneoutput device 304 to provide an indication thereof. In some exemplaryarrangements the controller 298 may operate to provide the indicationonly at selected times during vehicle operation. This may include forexample providing a warning output in the event that the operator placesthe transmission of the bus or other vehicle in drive when the emergencyexit door or ramp access door is not secured. Of course it should beunderstood that the controller or other suitable circuitry may providedetectable outputs to the operator at other times or under othercircumstances during vehicle operation. Thus in the exemplaryarrangement the operator of the vehicle is alerted in the event that thedriver commences certain operations of the vehicle without both the rampaccess door and the emergency exit door being suitably secured. Ofcourse it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary andother arrangements other approaches may be used.

Thus the exemplary embodiments achieve improved operation, eliminatedifficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, andobtain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the inventive featuresare not limited to the exact features shown and described.

Further in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shownor described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are constructed andoperated, and the advantages and useful results attained; the new anduseful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. Apparatus operative to provide emergency egress for personsfrom an interior area of a bus, the bus including an emergency exitopening closable by an emergency exit door, wherein the emergency exitdoor is openable from at least one of the interior area or an exteriorarea of the bus, wherein the emergency exit door is changeable between alatched closed condition in which the emergency exit door is held in aclosed position closing the emergency exit opening, and an openablecondition in which the emergency exit door is changeable between theclosed position and an open position in which at least a portion of thedoor is movable away from the emergency exit opening, the apparatuscomprising: a housing, wherein the housing is in operatively fixedconnection with the bus and is positioned below the interior area of thebus, wherein the housing includes a housing open end, wherein the busincludes a ramp opening, wherein the ramp opening is positionedvertically below the emergency exit opening and in horizontal alignmentwith at least a portion of the emergency exit opening, a ramp, whereinthe ramp is movable in operatively supported connection within thehousing, wherein the ramp is movable between a retracted position inwhich the ramp is within the housing and is fully disposed away fromground, and an extended position in which the ramp extends through theopen end and the ramp opening to ground, a ramp access door, wherein theramp access door is configured to close the ramp opening and is movablymounted in operatively supported connection with the bus, wherein theramp access door is movable between a door closed position wherein theramp access door closes the ramp opening, and a door open positionwherein at least a portion of the ramp access door is disposed away fromat least a portion of the ramp opening and the ramp is extendableoutward from the housing through the ramp opening, wherein the rampaccess door is in operative connection with the emergency exit door,such that the ramp access door is operative to move from the door closedposition to the door open position responsive at least in part to theemergency exit door being in the openable condition.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the ramp access door is in fixed operativeconnection with an extension that extends above the housing, wherein theextension operatively engages the emergency exit door.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the ramp access door is in fixed operativeconnection with an extension that in the door closed position extendsabove the ramp opening, wherein the extension operatively engages theemergency exit door, wherein the extension includes a horizontalextension portion and a vertical extension portion, wherein in theclosed position of the ramp access door the horizontal extension portionextends horizontally in the emergency exit opening, and the verticalextension portion engages a face of the emergency exit door, whereinmovement of the emergency exit door to the open position is operative toenable the ramp access door to move from the door closed position to thedoor open position.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thebus includes a pair of disposed frame rails and a tire supported axle,wherein at least one pneumatic spring extends operatively verticallybetween the frame rails and the axle, and further comprising an airvalve, wherein the air valve is in operative fluid connection with theat least one pneumatic spring, wherein the air valve is changeablebetween open and closed conditions, wherein the air valve is operativeto change from the closed condition to the open condition, responsive atleast in part to at least one of the emergency exit door being in theopenable condition and ramp displacement from the retracted positiontoward the extended position, whereby air is released from the at leastone pneumatic spring and the emergency exit opening is moved closer toground.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further including atleast one detent, wherein the at least one detent is in operativeconnection with the ramp, wherein the at least one detent is operativeto hold the ramp in the retracted position and to release the ramp fromthe retracted position and enable ramp movement toward the extendedposition responsive to a release force that acts to move the ramp towardthe extended position.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thebus includes a pair of horizontally disposed frame rails, wherein eachframe rail includes a rail top and a rail bottom, wherein the housing ispositioned horizontally intermediate of the frame rails, and furthercomprising: at least one frame attachment bracket, wherein the at leastone frame attachment bracket is operative to hold the housing in fixedoperative connection with at least one of the frame rails, wherein eachframe attachment bracket includes a top piece, a bottom piece and atleast one fastener, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece arevertically movable relative to one another in engaged relation when theat least one fastener is in a first position, and are in fixed engagedrelation with one another when the at least one fastener is in a secondposition, wherein the top piece of each frame attachment bracket is inengaged relation with the rail top of the adjacent frame rail and thebottom piece of the respective frame attachment bracket is in engagedrelation with the rail bottom of the adjacent frame rail, and the atleast one fastener of the respective frame attachment bracket is in thesecond position, whereby each frame attachment bracket is in fixedengagement with the respective adjacent frame rail.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the bus includes a pair of horizontallydisposed frame rails, wherein in vertical cross-section each frame railincludes a C-shaped profile, wherein in vertical cross-section eachframe rail includes a horizontally extending rail top and a horizontallyextending rail bottom, wherein the housing is positioned horizontallyintermediate of the frame rails, and further comprising: at least oneframe attachment bracket, wherein the at least one frame attachmentbracket is operative to hold the housing in fixed operative connectionwith at least one of the frame rails, wherein each frame attachmentbracket includes a top piece, a bottom piece and at least one fastener,wherein the top piece extends vertically on each horizontal side of anadjacent frame rail and horizontally across the rail top of the adjacentframe rail, wherein the bottom piece extends on each horizontal side ofthe adjacent frame rail and horizontally across the rail bottom of theadjacent frame rail, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece arevertically movable relative to one another in engaged relation when theat least one fastener is in a first position, and are in fixed engagedrelation with one another when the at least one fastener is in a secondposition, wherein the top piece of each frame attachment bracket is inengaged relation with the rail top of the adjacent frame rail and thebottom piece of the respective frame attachment bracket is in engagedrelation with the rail bottom of the adjacent frame rail, and the atleast one fastener of the respective frame attachment bracket is in thesecond position, whereby each frame attachment bracket is in fixedengagement with the respective adjacent frame rail.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 and further comprising: an electrical switch,wherein the electrical switch is in operative connection with the rampaccess door, at least one indicator, wherein the at least one indicatoris operative to give a visual or audible output, a circuit, wherein thecircuit is in operative connection with the electrical switch and the atleast one indicator, wherein the at least one indicator is operative toprovide an output responsive at least in part to the electrical switchdetecting that the ramp access door is in the door open position.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: an electricalswitch, wherein the electrical switch is in operative connection withthe ramp access door, a further electrical switch, wherein the furtherelectrical switch is in operative connection with the emergency exitdoor, at least one indicator, wherein the at least one indicator isoperative to give a visual or audible output, a circuit, wherein thecircuit is in operative connection with the electrical switch, thefurther electrical switch and the at least one indicator, wherein the atleast one indicator is operative to provide an output responsive atleast in part to at least one of the electrical switch detecting theramp access door in the door open position and the further electricalswitch detecting the emergency exit door in the openable position. 10.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ramp is in operativeconnection with a stop, wherein the stop is operative to prevent theramp from moving outward beyond the extended position.
 11. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the ramp includes at least one manuallyengageable handle, wherein the at least one handle is accessible throughthe ramp opening when the ramp is in the retracted position. 12.Apparatus operative to provide emergency egress for persons from theinterior area of a bus, the bus including an emergency exit openingclosable by an emergency exit door, wherein the emergency exit door isopenable from at least one of the interior area or an exterior area ofthe bus, wherein the emergency exit door is changeable between a latchedclosed condition in which the emergency exit door is held in a closedposition closing the opening, and an openable condition in which theemergency exit door is changeable between the closed position and anopen position in which at least a portion of the door is movable awayfrom the opening, and wherein the bus further includes a pair ofhorizontally disposed, longitudinally extending frame rails wherein theemergency exit opening is positioned vertically higher than the framerails, a tire supported axle and at least one pneumatic spring, whereinthe at least one pneumatic spring operatively extends in verticallyintermediate relation of the frame rails and the tire supported axle,the apparatus comprising: a housing, wherein the housing is inoperatively fixed connection with the bus and is positioned below theinterior area of the bus, wherein the housing includes a housing openend, wherein the bus includes a ramp opening, wherein the ramp openingis positioned vertically below the emergency exit opening and inhorizontal alignment with at least a portion of the emergency exitopening, a ramp, wherein the ramp is movable in operatively supportedconnection within the housing, wherein the ramp is movable between aretracted position in which the ramp is within the housing and is fullydisposed away from ground, and an extended position in which the rampextends through the open end and the ramp opening to ground, a rampaccess door, wherein the ramp access door is configured to close theramp opening and is movably mounted in operatively supported connectionwith the bus, wherein the ramp access door is movable between a doorclosed position wherein the ramp access door closes the ramp opening,and a door open position wherein at least a portion of the ramp accessdoor is disposed away from at least a portion of the ramp opening andthe ramp is extendable outward from the ramp opening, wherein the rampaccess door is in operative connection with the emergency exit door,wherein the ramp access door is operative to move from the door closedposition to the door open position responsive at least in part to theemergency exit door being in the openable position, an air valve,wherein the air valve is in operative fluid connection with the at leastone pneumatic spring, wherein the air valve is changeable between anopen condition and a closed condition, wherein the air valve is inoperative connection with at least one of the emergency exit door or theramp, wherein the air valve is operative to change from the closedcondition to the open condition responsive at least in part to at leastone of the emergency exit door being in the openable condition ormovement of the ramp toward the extended position, whereby air isreleased from the at least one pneumatic spring, and the emergency exitopening is moved closer to ground.
 13. The apparatus according to claim12 wherein the ramp access door is in fixed operative connection with anextension that in the door closed position extends above the rampopening, wherein the extension operatively engages the emergency exitdoor, wherein movement of the emergency exit door from the closedposition toward the open position is operative to enable the ramp accessdoor to move from the door closed position to the door open position.14. The apparatus according to claim 12 and further including at leastone detent, wherein the at least one detent is in operative connectionwith the ramp, wherein the at least one detent is operative to hold theramp in the retracted position and to release the ramp from theretracted position and enable ramp movement toward the extended positionresponsive to a release force that acts to move the ramp toward theextended position.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein eachframe rail includes a rail top and a rail bottom, wherein the housing ispositioned horizontally intermediate of the frame rails, and furthercomprising: at least one frame attachment bracket, wherein the at leastone frame attachment bracket is operative to hold the housing in fixedoperative connection with at least one of the frame rails, wherein eachframe attachment bracket includes a top piece, a bottom piece and atleast one fastener, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece arevertically movable relative to one another in engaged relation when theat least one fastener is in a first position, and are in verticallyfixed engaged relation with one another when the at least one fasteneris in a second position, wherein the top piece of each frame attachmentbracket is in engaged relation with the rail top of an adjacent framerail and the bottom piece of the respective frame attachment bracket isin engaged relation with the rail bottom of the adjacent frame rail, andthe at least one fastener of the respective frame attachment bracket isin the second position, whereby each frame attachment bracket is infixed engagement with the respective adjacent frame rail.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 12 wherein in vertical cross-section eachframe rail includes a C-shaped profile, wherein in verticalcross-section each frame rail includes a horizontally extending rail topand a horizontally extending rail bottom, wherein the housing ispositioned horizontally intermediate of the frame rails, and furthercomprising: at least one frame attachment bracket, wherein the at leastone frame attachment bracket is operative to hold the housing in fixedoperative connection with at least one of the frame rails, wherein eachframe attachment bracket includes a top piece, a bottom piece and atleast one fastener, wherein in vertical cross-section the top pieceextends vertically on each side of an adjacent frame rail andhorizontally across the rail top of the adjacent frame rail, wherein invertical cross-section the bottom piece extends on each side of theadjacent frame rail and horizontally across the rail bottom of theadjacent frame rail, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece arevertically movable relative to one another in engaged relation when theat least one fastener is in a first position, and are in fixed engagedrelation with one another when the at least one fastener is in a secondposition, wherein the top piece of each frame attachment bracket is inengaged relation with the top rail of an adjacent frame rail and thebottom piece of the respective frame attachment bracket is in engagedrelation with the rail bottom of the adjacent frame rail, and the atleast one fastener of the respective frame attachment bracket is in thesecond position, whereby each frame attachment bracket is in fixedengagement with the respective adjacent frame rail.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 12 and further comprising: an electrical switch,wherein the electrical switch is in operative connection with the rampaccess door, at least one indicator, wherein the at least one indicatoris operative to give a visual or audible output, a circuit, wherein thecircuit is in operative connection with the electrical switch and the atleast one indicator, wherein the at least one indicator is operative toprovide an output responsive at least in part to the electrical switchdetecting that the ramp access door is in the door open position. 18.The apparatus according to claim 12 and further comprising: anelectrical switch, wherein the electrical switch is in operativeconnection with the ramp access door, a further electrical switch,wherein the further electrical switch is in operative connection withthe emergency exit door, at least one indicator, wherein the at leastone indicator is operative to give a visual or audible output, acircuit, wherein the circuit is in operative connection with theelectrical switch, the further electrical switch and the at least oneindicator, wherein the at least one indicator is operative to provide anoutput responsive at least in part to at least one of the electricalswitch detecting that the ramp access door is in the door open positionand the further electrical switch detecting the emergency exit door inthe openable condition.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 12 whereinthe ramp is in operative connection with a stop, wherein the stop isoperative to prevent the ramp from moving outward beyond the extendedposition.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the rampincludes at least one manually engageable handle, wherein the at leastone handle is accessible through the ramp opening when the ramp is inthe retracted position.
 21. Apparatus operative to provide emergencyegress for persons from an interior area of a bus, the bus including anemergency exit opening closable by an emergency exit door, wherein theemergency exit door is openable from at least one of the interior areaor an exterior area of the bus, wherein the emergency exit door ischangeable between a latched closed condition in which the emergencyexit door is held in a closed position closing the opening, and anopenable condition in which the emergency exit door is changeablebetween the closed position and an open position in which at least aportion of the door is movable away from the opening, and wherein thebus further includes a pair of horizontally disposed, longitudinallyextending frame rails, wherein at least a portion of the interior areais positioned above the frame rails, a tire supported axle and at leastone pneumatic spring, wherein the at least one pneumatic springoperatively extends in vertically intermediate relation of the framerails and the tire supported axle, the apparatus comprising: a housing,wherein the housing is in operatively fixed connection with the bus andis positioned below the interior area of the bus, wherein the housingincludes a housing open end, wherein the bus includes a ramp opening,wherein the ramp opening is positioned vertically below the emergencyexit opening and in horizontal alignment with at least a portion of theemergency exit opening, a ramp, wherein the ramp is movable inoperatively supported connection within the housing, wherein the ramp ismovable between a retracted position in which the ramp extends withinthe housing and is fully disposed away from ground, and an extendedposition in which the ramp extends through the ramp opening to ground, aramp access door, wherein the ramp access door is configured to closethe ramp opening and is movably mounted in operatively supportedconnection with the bus, wherein the ramp access door is movable betweena door closed position wherein the ramp access door closes the rampopening, and a door open position wherein at least a portion of the rampaccess door is disposed away from at least a portion of the ramp openingand the ramp is extendable outward from the ramp opening, wherein theramp access door is in operative connection with the emergency exitdoor, wherein the ramp access door is operative to move from the doorclosed position to the door open position responsive at least in part tothe emergency exit door being in the openable position, an air valve,wherein the air valve is in operative fluid connection with the at leastone pneumatic spring, wherein the air valve is changeable between anopen condition and a closed condition, wherein the air valve is inoperative connection with at least one of the emergency exit door or theramp, wherein the air valve is operative to change from the closedcondition to the open condition responsive at least in part to at leastone of the emergency exit door being in the openable condition, theemergency exit door being opened or movement of the ramp toward theextended position, whereby air is released from the at least onepneumatic spring, and the emergency exit opening is moved closer toground.